TCC Commencement honors Class of 2024

May 21—THOMASVILLE- Saturday morning the Thomas County Central Class of 2024 graduated at the Jacket's Nest, while surrounded by friends, family, and teachers who supported them along the way.

The ceremony began with the processional led by Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams, followed by Principal Jamie Thompson and other Board of Education members. Once all of the graduates were seated, the TCCHS Army JROTC presented the colors, before turning it over to honor graduate Kristopher Wilhelm.

"It is my honor to kick off this graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024, a class headlined with greatness," he said. "In every aspect of the word, this class embodies it. From being the first class to win a football state championship in over 30 years to having the most honor graduates in Thomas County history, this class is overflowing with greatness and great people."

Wilhelm went on to say that in both athletics and academics, the Class of 2024 has been a success, but it hasn't been without challenges.

"To begin high school, this class had to wear a mask when walking through hallways and everything was a little different that first year," he recalled. "Some thought we would never get back to a true high school experience or that it would be dampened due to having limited clubs and weird in-class lunches and a system of quarantining kids exposed to COVID."

Wilhelm said the experience was different, but it made the Class of 2024 more appreciative of the little things to come, including lunches with more than three students.

"That being said, we couldn't have gotten into the great times we had without great high school teachers and leadership from our school board and administrators," he said. "Additionally, we could not have gotten to this cherished high school graduation without those who taught us, so thank you to our parents and teachers. But, we could have gotten nowhere without the great God above."

Following a round of applause, honor graduate Allyson Moore extended a heartfelt thanks to everyone in attendance for celebrating the Class of 2024 and sharing in the occasion. She then passed the microphone to Class President Mikayla Voyles, who introduced the members of the Thomas County Board of Education, and Class Vice President De'Andria Daniels introduced administrators at TCCHS.

Daniels concluded her introductions by welcoming Salutatorian Ian Thompson to the stage, who honored the legacy of the Class of 2024.

"I could go on and on about the lessons I've learned and the skills I've cultivated, but that's not what today is about," Thompson told the audience. "Today is about us, the Class of 2024."

Thompson thanked those who helped not only him but his classmates get to graduation.

"First and foremost, I'd like to recognize my family," he said. "They have provided a roof over my head, food on the table, and much, much more. Additionally, I'd like to thank my teachers and administrators, I doubt we'd even be here today without them."

Thompson gave a special acknowledgment to Erin White, who he said has "put up with him for the past four years."

After his initial acknowledgments, Thompson shifted his focus to the future, telling his classmates they had the golden opportunity to decide where to go from here on out.

"Most of you have already concluded this chapter in your life and are ready to move on," he said. "As crucial as it is to stay vigilant and on top of things, it's also important to enjoy the present moment and appreciate the past."

Thompson noted that everyone is growing up, but encouraged those in attendance not to let the eagerness of tomorrow stop them from enjoying the now.

"As children, we all looked forward to being adults and entering the real world; as seniors we approach the doorstep of being our own person and living life without the confines set forth as children," he said.

However, he reminded his classmates that Saturday was the youngest they would ever be.

"Every day is an experience worth living and every moment is worth experiencing," he said. "No matter how old you are or where you are in life, remember the advice of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius."

Aurelius was known for his outlook on life, saying "When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, think, enjoy, and love."

Thompson wrapped up his speech, sharing that each one of the people in attendance has already accomplished greatness, but on graduation day, take time to breathe and remember the amazing things that are yet to be accomplished.

Following a rousing round of applause, Valedictorian Hayden Groom took to the podium, thanking those who helped him along the way and congratulating his fellow graduates on the beginning of a new chapter.

"We should all be very proud of this momentous achievement that emphasizes our capabilities and readiness for life ahead," he said. "Without the dedication of the faculty and staff at Thomas County High School, our journey toward graduation would've not been possible."

Groom reflected on the various capabilities of the Class of 2024, including the TCCHS football team, which brought home a state championship. He said this comes from realizing the value of seizing opportunities.

"We often let opportunities slip by because we think about what might go wrong, instead of what might go right," he said. "Instead of trusting the process, we begin to doubt our abilities while losing faith in ourselves."

Groom went on to say that it can be easy to find comfort in the routine, rarely taking risks on new experiences.

"During high school, we go through a strange period in our lives, making it easy to find comfort in the familiar. However, life becomes complacent and we crave new challenges. Stepping out of one's comfort zone is imperative in becoming a better person," he reminded.

Groom reminded his classmates that each day they will be faced with countless opportunities that challenge them to carve out their own path.

"All too often we allow doubt to cloud our judgment and make us hesitate and miss out on the goodness of life," he said. "Taking that leap of faith, even if you fail, will always help you in the journey of life."

Groom acknowledged that change can be difficult, but through changing experiences, individuals grow and develop their own sense of unique skills. It is only then they can find fulfillment in life.

"As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, let us approach it with confidence and purpose," he reminded. "As long as we remain open to change, anything is possible."

Upon the conclusion of Groom's speech, Thompson presented the Class of 2024 as candidates for diplomas. Williams accepted the Class of 2024, awarding them with diplomas before students turned their tassels and celebrated by throwing their caps in the air.